Fall Final Exam - Gilgamesh Flashcards
Origins of story.
The Epic of Gilgamesh originated with the Sumerians, a group of people who lived in what is now Iraq.
Where was it found?
modern-day Iraq
How was it preserved?
preserved in writings on 12 clay tablets.
Who was author?
Epic of Gilgamesh was composed by a scribe named Sîn-lēqi-unninni,
Describe Gilgamesh
-king of Uruk.
-an adventurous, brave, but tragic figure symbolizing man’s vain but endless drive for fame, glory, and immortality
Who is Enkidu
Enkidu is a legendary figure in Mesopotamian mythology, and a friend and wartime comrade of Gilgamesh.
Who is Humbaba?
guardian of the cedar forest to which Gilgamesh ventures with his companion Enkidu.
Who is Shamash?
-was the ancient Mesopotamian sun god.
-He was believed to see everything that happened in the world every day, and was therefore responsible for justice and protection of travelers.
Who was Ea?
god of ritual purification
Who was Enlil?
an ancient Mesopotamian god associated with wind, air, earth, and storms.
Explain the Bull of Heaven
the Bull of Heaven is a mythical beast fought by the hero Gilgamesh
What is Gilgamesh searching for?
When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh, devastated by the death of his friend, now realizes that he is part mortal and sets out on a fruitless journey to seek immortality.
